I’ve always had an issue with the term ‘wellness’. It’s one of those vague, catchall terms that somehow managed to assimilate itself into everyday language despite its clunkiness.
For me the term is too broad. The idea of being ‘well’ not only encompasses the entire spectrums of both mental and physical health, but it and can also include diet and personal aesthetics as well. Not to mention that each of those elements also involve countless, complex subcategories. Ultimately, my issue is that most places claim to offer ‘wellness’ more as a marketing tool but do not even attempt to cover the vastness of the field.
It’s what drew me to visit the newly-opened Blended Wellness property, which positions itself as a one-stop ‘multi-wellness destination’. In fact, it positions itself as “Dubai’s first” place to offer such all-round care.
Located in a custom built space on Dubai’s Palm Jumeirah – within the Oceana Residences – the property has impressively set out its stall to offer something to all people. Within its calming, snaking passageways there is a salon, a spa, a four-chair barbers, a juice bar and a full-speccd rooftop gym. It also offers life coaching sessions, fitness classes (group and private) and a whole range of non-invasive aesthetic treatments. While still getting up to full-speed – it only opened last month – its intension to create a (calming) space for people to bring their ‘wellness’ concerns to feels genuine, even if that comes in the form of a stress-induced, overly-knotted neck and shoulders.
On the men-only side of things, the grooming area is fully kitted out with a relaxed day-spa aesthetic, and the barber’s chairs even have a window overlooking the Palm’s beach and Dubai Marina skyline. Curiously – and intriguingly – the spa houses Dubai’s first traditional Russian ‘Banya’ bathhouse. Aptly called the ‘Dubanya’, it could well prove to be the ace up its sleeve with specialist therapist brought over to offer an innovative interpretation of a Russian tradition, merging ancient cleansing and detoxifying practices with the modern wellness rituals that Blended Wellness is built on.
In most consultations with wellness professionals the answer to that question is normally the same: good health comes from being able to blend multiple factors into your life, and by doing so in moderation.
Regardless of whether you are in the men’s or women’s areas, the sentiment is the same. This is a place that wants to help you take care of yourself both inside and out. Does it have all the answers? Unlikely, but does it want to work with you to help tailor a treatment that is unique to you? Yes.